Clean Fleet Reporthybrid & electric cars smart charged with renewable energy
Ford Electric Car for 2011
My test drive of the new Ford electric car for 2011 demonstrated that Ford is building a BEV that millions will want. The Ford Focus EV prototype provided a quiet and smooth drive for a prototype. A common platform is planned for compact vehicles ranging from engine drives, hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and battery-electric. By 2020, these vehicles could represent up to 25 percent of Ford’s production – that’s up to 2 million cars annually with electric drive systems and advanced battery packs.
Car-sharing grows and Plugs-in
Car-sharing services are turning toward alternative-fuel vehicles as the technology improves and customers clamor to drive them.In San Luis Obispo, Calif., a service gets underway offering hourly rentals of electric, biodiesel, natural gas and ethanol-powered cars. In August, Baltimoreans will be able to rent a four-passenger electric car that can go 120 miles between battery charges.
2010 Nissan LEAF EV on a Freeway Near You
Nissan will be the first to have thousands of affordable freeway speed electric vehicles on the highways. The new 2010 Nissan LEAF is a comfortable compact hatchback EV. The Nissan LEAF will build on Nissan’s hybrid-electric success with the Altima Hybrid, which is in currently in the #6 position for U.S. cars with the lowest greenhouse gas emissions.
Toyota Plug-in Prius Sales will Jump in 2012
Toyota will start volume manufacturing of the Plug-in Prius in 2012 according to Reuters. 2012 manufacturing of 20,000 to 30,000 Toyota Prius PHEV are expected. In 2012, Toyota will also start selling the less expensive 2-door FT-EV, a pure battery electric vehicle. In the U.S. in 2012 Toyota will face intense EV competition with Nissan, Ford, and dozens of innovative younger companies such as Tesla.
Ford Grabs Market Share
If you are working at Ford, it looks like the downturn in auto sales is ending. In June, sales fell only 11 percent over a year ago. Oil prices have doubled – fuel economy is back in. Ford helps at the pump with new EcoBoost technology and hybrid technology. “In 10 years, 12 years, you are going to see a major portion of our portfolio move to electric vehicles,” Ford CEO Alan Mulally stated.
Test Driving the New Nissan EV
Walking up to the new Nissan Electric Vehicle prototype car, my first surprise was getting into the right hand front seat. This car was only one of two in existence and driving in Japan is like the UK, on the left side of the road.
Nissan Takes EV Lead with Charged Partnerships
Nissan is serious about being the leader in electric vehicles by taking a three-step approach: (1) developing a charging infrastructure, (2) seeding the market with EVs in 2010, and (3) leading in EV manufacturing volume in 2012. The initial vehicles show-off a new body design, be freeway speed, and have a 100-mile range.
BMW Electric MINI with 150 Mile Range
The BMW Group will introduce its battery-electric MINI E at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November. BMW will deploy a fleet of 500 of the all-electric vehicles. The MINI E will be powered by a 150 kW (204 hp) electric motor fed by a 35 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, with a single-stage helical gearbox transferring power to the front wheels. Top speed is electronically limited to 152 kph (95 mph).The battery pack will support a range of more than 240 km (150 miles). A one-year lease including maintenance is $850 per month. BMW will provide its cusomters with a fast-charging wallbox and provides a full recharge after 2.5 hours.
New Honda Insight Hybrid Undercuts Prius in Pricing
The new 5-passenger hybrid Insight will undercut the Toyota in pricing. Expected first year sales are 200,000 cars. The new Insight shares styling cues with Honda’s FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle. Takeo Fukui, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. CEO. “This new Insight will break new ground as an affordable hybrid within the reach of customers who want great fuel economy and great value.” The Insight Concept defines a new stage in the evolution of hybrid technology, utilizing a more cost-efficient version of Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist™ (IMA™) hybrid technology, resulting in a new level of affordability for hybrid customers worldwide. By 2010, ten percent of Honda’s sales are expected to be hybrid.
Chrysler to Make Plug-in SUV, Minivan and New EVs
Chrysler builds on the success of its 38,000 GEM EVs that are currently on the road in the U.S. with new battery-electric vehicle and plug-in hybrid announcements. Chrysler announced 3 freeway-speed electric vehicles – Dodge EV, Jeep EV and Chrysler EV – and announced the GEM Peapod.
